Today marks an extraordinary moment for Believe in Me! We are delighted to unveil the exceptional recipients of our 2024 Grant Awards. After carefully considering numerous outstanding applications from nonprofits across the region, we have chosen 27 organizations that embody the spirit of caring and dedication to empowering marginalized youth.
“We are overjoyed to support these incredible organizations that are making a real difference in the lives of young individuals. Our commitment to strategically distributing funds aligns with our five pillars of caring: Basic Human Needs, Love and Belonging, Community Support, Education Programs, and Enrichment Programs. Together, we are crafting a network of support, building resilient communities, and nurturing a future filled with promise.” – Julie Wukelic, CEO of Believe in Me
Basic Human Needs (11% of Funding)
Organizations focused on providing essential support, including food, shelter, and clothing, were awarded grants in this category. The recipients are:
Embrace Washington (Spokane, WA) – $6,500 for the 2024 Sleep Safe Program
Teen & Kid Closet (Spokane, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Clothe our Children initiative
Foster Hearts (Bellingham, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Foster Hearts Store program
These organizations exemplify community heroes, ensuring life’s essentials are delivered with care and compassion.
Love & Belonging (18% of Funding)
Organizations dedicated to nurturing the spirits of marginalized children and providing a sense of belonging received grants. The recipients are:
The Place of Horses (Port Orchard, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Ranch Hand Program
Spokane Angels (Spokane, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Love Box Program
Rainier Athletes (Bellevue, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Inland Northwest (Spokane, WA) – $2,500 for their 2024 Activity Boxes Program
Embrace Washington (Spokane, WA) – $2,000 for the 2024 Foster Parent Recruitment Program
These organizations are beacons of positivity, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and belonging in a child’s life.
Community Support (11% of Funding)
Believe in Me recognizes the importance of community support in overcoming challenges faced by youth. The recipients are:
Pizza Klatch (Olympia, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Peer Support Groups
Rebounds Families (Bellingham, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Roots Family Enrichment Program
Spokane Area Youth for Christ (Spokane, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Community Support Program
These organizations serve as the heart of our communities, offering crucial resources and guidance to youth in need.
Education Programs (28% of Funding)
Believe in Me is committed to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow through empowering education programs. The recipients are:
The Carl Maxey Center (Spokane, WA) – $10,000 for the 2024 Youth Leadership Academy Program
Family and Community Together (FACT) (Portland, OR) – $5,000 for their 2024 Programs
Your Money Matters Mentoring (Auburn, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Money Mindsets Program
Boys & Girls Club of Snohomish County (Wellpinit, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Wellpinit Native American Project Learn STEAM Initiative
White Center Cooperative Preschool (Unincorporated King County, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 initiatives
College Success Foundation (Spokane, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 Career and Postsecondary Exploration initiative
Klahanie School (Vashon Island, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 initiative
Palouse Pathways (Moscow, ID) – $3,000 for their 2024 College Within Reach Events
These programs empower children with life skills, tutoring, and career readiness, cultivating self-confidence and knowledge.
Enrichment Programs (32% of Funding)
In this category, organizations providing experiences in music, theater, sports, camps, and art were awarded grants. The recipients are:
Free Rein Therapeutic Riding (Spokane, WA) – $13,500 for the 2024 Herd Expansion Program
Melodic Caring Project (Mount Vernon, WA) – $10,000 for the 2024 rockSTAR Song Request + Livestream Performances Program
ParaSport Spokane (Spokane, WA) – $5,000 for the 2024 Catalyst for Life Program
Museum of Northwest Art (La Conner, WA) – $2,500 going toward their 2024 Teen Art Club
The Bridge Music Project (Olympia, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 Songwriting Workshops
Music Bridges Borders (Sandpoint, ID) – $5,000 for their 2024 Free Music Exploration Summer Camp Program
Tieton Arts and Humanities (Tieton, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 creARTe program
The Bronze Chapter (Bow, WA) – $5,000 for their 2024 Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (Seattle, WA) – $5,000 for their SYS Orchestra Program
These programs ignite personal growth and creativity, fostering a journey of self-discovery and boundless growth for marginalized youth.
Our journey continues, and we’re excited to keep you in the loop with updates and inspiring stories from our grantees. You play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for all by staying connected. As we move forward, your ongoing support remains instrumental in fostering meaningful change. Thank you for being a part of Believe in Me’s mission to empower and uplift marginalized youth.
